Michigan Declares Fuel Emergency, Lifts HOS Restrictions

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder declared an energy emergency in Michigan this week, due to shortages of diesel and gasoline in the state’s Upper Peninsula caused by a pipeline shutdown in Wisconsin.

The declaration, issued July 24, suspends hours-of-service regulations for drivers transporting diesel, gasoline and jet fuel.

The HOS exemption for fuel carriers remains in effect until it is rescinded or until Aug. 7, whichever comes first.

A leak in the 70,000 barrels-per-day West Shore pipeline in Wisconsin, which carries gasoline and diesel fuel, resulted in the pipeline being shut down for four days earlier this month, Reuters reported.